This blog has nothing to do with gorillas (though I love 'em)...fellow bloggers have inspired me to share vintage images of Disneyland from my personal collection. But don't be surprised if you see something from a World's Fair, Knott's Berry Farm, or someplace else that is cool!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Here are the last four vintage snapshots (from a lot of seven), dating from the park's opening year.

Walking through the tunnels beneath the railroad tracks brings you into Town Square; there's the train station, looking huge even from this oddball angle. Pluto has stopped to pose with some kids while a mom and her brood wait their turn. Do characters in either park just stroll around anymore? Or is it there always a line?

Heading up Main Street U.S.A., we can admire the architectural details, and the 1971 fashions (like those yellow bell bottoms to our right)!

Looks like dad is considering stopping for a breakfast (check out those long morning shadows, they must have just dropped the rope), but his little girl wants to keep on heading to Cinderella Castle.

This is a very pretty shot, with all the flowers and striped umbrellas. I have NO idea what restaurant that could be, though I'll bet some of you do. I sure wish I could have seen the Florida park in its early days… just like Disneyland, it has undergone many changes over the years.

The mystery restaurant in the eastward view is not the Crystal Palace, but actually the Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner now called "Casey's Corner". The red and white patio umbrellas offer a clue. It's at the same Main Street location as Disneyland's Refreshment Corner is. Across the way is the Ice Cream Parlor & Plaza Restaurant. The Crystal Palace would be out of view west of the Refreshment Corner.

Sadly, the interior of Walt Disney World's Main St. Cinema is now a store.....because they needed another shop that sells the exact same stuff as every other shop in the park! I sincerely hope that never happens to Disneyland's Main St. Cinema!

Just as depressing, the entirety of Walt Disney World's West Center Street was filled in and is now a store...because they needed YET ANOTHER shop that sells the exact same stuff as every other shop in the park...and everywhere else in the resort. I guess they were having trouble squeezing enough money from those stingy guests that flock to the place in ever-increasing numbers to buy admission tickets at ever-increasing prices.

I'll stop. Curmudgeon doesn't really become me.

Ken is right - that Hub restaurant is Refreshment/Casey's Corner. Best hot dogs in the Park - and the highest concentration of begging ducks that side of Tom Sawyer Island.

@Chuck - Re: begging ducks, I don't know how long it's been up, but in 2011 I noticed a sign by the tables saying, "Please Do Not Feed the Birds." It was all I could do not to add "Fine: Tuppence a Bag" at the bottom.